Rating: 4/5 stars

People are always amazed by the quality of the films that are created through Netflix originals, and it is easy to say Netflix delivered again with “Gerald’s Game.” Based off the novel of the same name by renowned author of horror Stephen King, who was behind other creative works such as “IT,” “The Shining,” and “Carrie,” “Gerald’s Game” takes people on another insane and overwhelming journey through their own psyche as they vicariously experience terror and desperation.

The psychological horror takes its audience down a dark and twisted path as they follow Jessie (Carla Gugino, “The Space Between Us”) and her husband of 11 years, Gerald (Bruce Greenwood, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”) getting away from the bustle of the real world in hopes that they can find a way to rekindle their deteriorating marriage.

While in the midst of attempting to saving their relationship, Gerald dies of a heart attack, leaving his wife handcuffed to the bed frame. There is an almost eerie feel that is consistently felt through the uncertainty of everything that is seen in the movie.

Through its grim aura, incredible cinematography and well-placed audio, the scenes are set up to play with the viewers’ thoughts and make them feel just as uncertain as Jessie. The suspense and darkness in the film help keep the audience cautious and on high alert for the smallest details. It is this kind of focus that really forces the audience to think as though they are in the midst of life and death.

Unlike many other of King’s creepy written works that convey some sort of science-fiction or supernatural presence, it is the realness in “Gerald’s Game” that places the audience right in Jessie’s head. The most commendable part of “Gerald’s Game” is the acting from the movie’s stars.

Based off a Stephen King novel, people watching this film go in with the knowledge that the writing is going to be good, but it is the execution from the actors that really solidify the story’s sense of terror. Carla Gugino, known mostly for her roles in the “Spy Kids” trilogy and “Watchmen,” gives a stellar performance as the film’s lead.

Gugino nails her role as Jessie Burlingame, an average woman with a dark history (and hopefully any kind of future). Bruce Greenwood plays the role of Jessie’s husband, after whom the film is titled, and also gives an incredible face to the character, all while mastering his persona.

Gugino and Greenwood give a particular depth to their characters that is essential in considering the true message of “Gerald’s Game.” The genuineness of the characters is something that really emphasizes the vulnerability of finding oneself in a remarkably delicate position and the increasing urgency to get out of it.

“Gerald’s Game” is an excellent representation of King’s novel that gives incredible reality to a disturbing tale through a successful exercise of cinematic horror and suspense. Around all of the gore and unsettling sexual themes, perseverance and strength of mind can be found in this raw, staggering, 90-minute-long experience.

Photo provided by Netflix via Youtube.com